Don't know if this was discussed, but anyone thought about a tiki central mug exchange? The purpose would basically be to allow folks from other parts of the country or globe, access to tiki mugs that they might not be able to get otherwise. For example, three dots and a dash has their first new mug release party next week and the mug will only be available at the bar. Some folks on the west coast would like to get one and there are folks here in the midwest and east coast that would like to get a mug from a place out west that they might not be able to get to anytime soon. It's basically a way for tikiphiles to access mugs in exchange for sending the person who gets them a mug one that they would want. It's not a trade situation. People would be expected to pay for the mug and shipping cost as some mugs vary in price and shipping varies depending on location. Many times there have been mug release parties for new bars out west and though there's no way to jump on a plane and head out there at a moments notice (did that all the time in the 90's, those days are over), I would still have liked to score a mug. So if this hasn't been discussed before, maybe we can use this thread for folks to list what mugs they would like (i.e. three dots and a dash mug) and maybe someone that lives in that area and goes to the event can hook them up and vice versa. I realize some places have limits on the amount of mugs you can buy at one time, but some don't. - and it doesn't have to be limited to mugs, could be anyb promo items like shirts, necklaces, eta. The point being, access to cool stuff you might not otherwise be able to get until you overpay on ebay for it.

Sounds like a good idea Tipsy. A good way to beef up the collection or bar ware. Sounds fun as well. Unfortunately I'm out of the exchange loop due to the lack of bars here but I think a bunch of folks would enjoy an exchange.
_________________"Anyone who has ever seen them is thereafter haunted as if by a feverish dream" Karl Woermann

uncle trav, it's not limited to bars. you might be able to get to a tiki event that i or someone else cannot. i know mugs can be pricey but sometimes not. keep this thread as a place to let others know you might be going to a particular event. maybe someone will call on you to pick something up for them from the event. Also, the exchange doesn't have to be a 2 way street. if you tell me you want a mug or something from somewhere out here, i can try to get it for you. just pay for the mug and shipping. i don't need anything in return. it's just a way to do other members a favor and sometime aquire something for myself that i might not be able to get before it sells out or something.
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I like this idea as well. I soooooo want something from Trader Sam's as they didn't release their own mugs until after we were there last year. Not sure what I could provide in our area (Columbus, Ohio), the Grass Skirt has a cool old-fashioned tumbler style glass that is etched with their logo. They keep saying they're going to have a custom mug at some point.

alot of places sell their mugs on their websites, but not all and not every mug or promo item. I try to support the places and artists by buying directly from their site as opposed to ebay, where they can be marked up for profit, which is fine, but if i can get them cheaper too thats always good.

Also, some places have limited runs, colors or quantities. for example, i don't know how many three dots will have or if there are limits as to how many can be purchased at a time...

http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/bb/search.php?term=mug+swap&submit=Search&srch=both&frm=all&usr=&srt=newestThere's been a few, but they've been called swaps. (Not a direct swap, one person back to another, but rather a secret Santa kinda of thing that makes a big chain of mug swapping).
looks like they were started by leleliz, and I've handled the last couple.
I've been meaning to start another, but you know...life gets in the way of so many things.
So, if you're interested in joining up with the rest of us I'll get the ball rolling on a Fall 2013 one Check out the links to see what kind of goodies have changed hands.
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The only Tiki bar here is the LuWoW. They have their own bucket mug and i think they sell the mugs to its sister bars over on the other side of the country, Hula Bula Bar and Devilles Pad. Kustom Lane gallery also has their own mug, but that's it. Unfortunately that is all that i can offer and just a warning that once boxed a single mug will cost $30AUS to post with the price going up from there according to weight.